Synapse eNews is published monthly by NBTS for all members of the brain tumor community. It includes updates on Patient Services, Research, and Advocacy programs, the latest research news, as well as information on NBTS regional events.

June 2010

In the past few months, you may have read about the systems biology research approach that the National Brain Tumor Society has embraced. Many organizations are adopting this new approach because like us, they think that research that focuses on the interactions between parts of a complex system has the potential for incredible impact. By funding research on integrated systems and allowing researchers to explore novel ideas about how to study systems, we believe there is a higher probability for finding successful therapeutic agents. We are excited about this new approach and the promise it holds to improve the lives of all those affected by brain tumors.

Research

Developmental neurobiology meeting shapes future pediatric Request for Applications (RFA)NBTS, in collaboration with the Brain Tumor Foundation of Canada (BTFC), hosted a mini-symposium at the 2010 Canadian Neuro-Oncology Meeting on May 15. We were grateful to mini-symposium organizers, panelists, and attendees for their insightful examination of this understudied area of research. NBTS and BTFC announced that they will be addressing this research gap by issuing a Developmental Neurobiology RFA later this summer. The mini-symposium was a first step in helping inform the organizations as to the contents of the upcoming grant program.

Chair of NBTS Scientific Advisory Council named VP at MD AndersonOliver Bögler, PhD, chair of the NBTS Scientific Advisory Council (SAC), has been named the Vice President for Global Academic Programs at MD Anderson Cancer Center. In addition to chairing the SAC, which is responsible for peer review of research grant applications and other proposals, Dr. Bögler is associate editor for Neuro-Oncology Research. In his new position, Dr. Bögler will provide the primary oversight, direction, strategic planning, and management of the development and delivery of academic relationships and programs at locations external to MD Anderson. Please join NBTS in congratulating Dr. Bögler and wishing him the best in his new role.

Systems Biology RFA updatesWe are pleased to announce two administrative changes to the Systems Biology RFA. First, the deadline has been pushed back to December 17. Second, the RFA is now open to international and U.S. researchers. A webinar to discuss the systems biology approach has been scheduled for July 16. We look forward to this time to answer questions regarding the new initiative.

Patients, Family & Friends

NBTS "Headquarters" BlogOn My.BrainTumorCommunity.org, find helpful information from the NBTS Patient Services staff in a weekly blog focused on various issues affecting the brain tumor community. Topics in May and June have included:

Upcoming conference: Living With a Brain TumorSave the date for Living With a Brain Tumor - A Patient and Family Conference in Dallas-Ft. Worth, Texas on October 8-9, 2010. Stay tuned to our website for more information on how to register, the conference agenda, and more!

At the conference reception, NBTS will be hosting a photo gallery, and we're looking for your submissions! If you are interested in sharing your experience, please send us a digital photo and a short 250-word narrative for display. Or, email us for more information on this exciting opportunity.

Events

Denver Brain Tumor WalkThanks to everyone who participated in the Denver Brain Tumor Walk on June 5, 2010. More than 800 people participated and raised over $150,000 to support brain tumor research, patient services, and advocacy programs at NBTS. Have pictures from the Walk? Add them to the Denver Brain Tumor Walk Flickr Group!

Two new Fall eventsWe're excited to announce two Fall inaugural events - the Silicon Valley Brain Tumor Ride on September 19 in San Jose, Calif., and the Boston Brain Tumor Walk on October 2 in Boston, Mass. Now there are even more ways to join NBTS in uniting to fight brain tumors.

"The Big Splash"Captain and Bay Pilot John Colgan swam across the Chesapeake Bay (4.4 miles) between the bridges in honor of his brother Douglas Howlett. Doug, who was also a Bay Pilot, is suffering from a glioblastoma multiforme. Watch a video of this remarkable swim here.

Ways to Help

Support NBTSLearn more about ways to support NBTS and the brain tumor community through honoring a loved one, utilizing matching gifts, organizing your own fundraiser, shopping online with iGive, and more.

However you choose to support NBTS, thank you. Together we are making a difference!

Brain Tumor Awareness Day with the Oakland A's is almost here! Get your tickets today for the game on July 24! For questions or information about Corporate Packages, please contact Adam by email or at 510.563.2350.

Save
the date!NBTS Annual MeetingSan Francisco, CA - Sept. 21

Senate passes
Brain Tumor Awareness ResolutionOn Wednesday, May 26, the Senate passed the Collins-Casey Brain Tumor Awareness Resolution by unanimous consent. It is a fitting and exciting culmination to Brain Tumor Awareness Month that the Senate joined NBTS, the North American Brain Tumor Coalition, and the rest of the brain tumor community in declaring May National Brain Tumor Awareness Month.Read more on our website.

National Brain Tumor Society is a nonprofit organization inspiring hope and providing leadership within the brain tumor community. We exist to find a cure and improve the quality of life for those affected by brain tumors. We fund strategic research, deliver support services, and promote collaboration